Marks & Spencer, Green Alliance, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), British Brands Group, VALPAK and Coca-Cola, plus the big names in strategic packaging design, are set to attend the Starpack Summit 2008.

Entitled The Packaging Dilemma: The Consumer Challenge, the conference will pose the question, is the packaging supply chain doing enough to reduce the environmental impact of packaging?

Julie Hill, Green Alliance’s waste policy expert, will explore the question of choice as contained in a recent challenge to the government to provide clear price signals on products like packaging in order to reduce their environmental impact. “We have a choice: do we want to continue living with stuff which conflicts with living a low-carbon, low-waste lifestyle, or do we want to consume in ways that are smart, pleasurable and sustainable?" she asks.

The critical role of corporate responsibility and the challenges brand owners and retailers face in addressing these complex issues will be put forward by Tom Rotherham of corporate responsibility specialists Radley Yeldar.

Backing up Rotherham will be John Noble, director of British Brands Group, who will put the case for brands and discuss their social value and why the environmental impact of brands needs a long-term vision, as well as everyday common sense.

WRAP, the summit’s lead sponsor, said: “Environmental performance and sustainability are critical to the future of brands and retailers. Consumers have never been keener to see manufacturers and retailers deliver on their corporate responsibilities. The Starpack Summit provides an ideal

platform for stakeholders throughout the supply chain to share best practice and create visions for the future of sustainable packaging.”

The complete speaker line-up is: Julie Hill, Green Alliance; Steve Gough, chief executive, VALPAK; Andy Dawe, head of retail programme, WRAP; Mark Barthel, special adviser, WRAP; Mark Caul, Marks & Spencer; Tom Rotherham, head of corporate responsibility, Radley Yeldar; Sanjay Patel, The Coca-Cola Company; Dorothy MacKenzie, chairman, Dragon; Peter Redfearn, design solutions manager, DS Smith Packaging; Steve Kelsey, PI3; and John Noble, director, British Brands Group.

The Starpack Summit takes place on May 22, and will be followed by the Starpack Industry Awards in the evening. Register online at http://www.iom3.org/starpack/awards/programme.htm

Topics